HB 543

ON APRIL 15, 2025, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #2 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 1138, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #2 replaces the requirement that sufficient capacity be determined by a TACIR study with a requirement that sufficient capacity be determined by a study, report, or other information and evidence presented to the Tennessee board of utility regulation in a hearing. This amendment removes a duplicative section of this bill. This amendment requires a utility system that provides wastewater service to provide a connection to the owner of real property for wastewater service when th e utility system: (1) Has an existing gravity sewer line located on the owner's property; and (2) The owner requests such connection and service. If the utility system refuses to provide wastewater service to the owner, this amendment authorizes the owner to submit a complaint to the Tennessee board of utility regulation for a review and hearing on such refusal; provided, the owner must first appeal or make a complaint to the utility system's governing board on the utility's refusal to provide wastew ater service. If t he governing board of the wastewater utility system is the legislative body of the governmental entity providing the service, the owner's appeal or complaint on the utility's refusal to provide wastewater service must be acted upon withi n 60 days , after which time the owner may proceed with the submission of its complaint to the Tennessee board of utility regulation . This amendment also specifies that its provisions do not affect, impact, or interfere with the rates in existing or futur e water or wastewater services contractual arrangements, or renewals or extensions of such existing or future agreements.